Dua Lipa has become one of the Met Gala’s most dependable fashion stars, consistently delivering looks that honor each year’s theme. However, the 2026 Met Gala on May 4 was missing one of its brightest attendees. The “Houdini” singer was notably absent from fashion’s biggest night. Pedicure trends for summer 2026 include milky finishes, the French pedicure revival, and dessert-inspired colors like pistachio green and cherry red. Here is everything you need to know about Dua Lipa’s Met Gala history and her 2026 absence.
Why Dua Lipa Skipped the 2026 Met Gala
Dua Lipa and her fiancé Callum Turner were not seen at the 2026 Met Gala. The engaged couple decided to take a break from the event this year. Instead of walking the red carpet in New York City, they enjoyed time together in Copenhagen, Denmark. Lipa posted photos of their trip on Instagram earlier that day, showing the couple admiring art and exploring the city .
Lipa’s absence was part of a larger trend this year. Multiple famous names opted out of the event, including Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, Ryan Reynolds, Sydney Sweeney, Billie Eilish, Jennifer Lopez, Olivia Rodrigo, Ariana Grande, and Selena Gomez . The list of absentees was notably long for fashion’s biggest night.
The Viral AI Photo That Tricked Fans
Even though Dua Lipa did not attend the 2026 Met Gala, a fake photo of her on the red carpet went viral on social media. The AI-generated image showed Lipa wearing a sheer gown featuring Botticelli’s famous painting “The Birth of Venus” printed across the fabric. Fans initially believed the image was real, with many commenting that she had “stolen the show” .
However, eagle-eyed observers quickly spotted telltale signs of artificial intelligence. The hands of photographers in the background appeared distorted and unrealistic. Additionally, the fake image showed photographers standing behind a wall of white flowers. In the actual Met Gala 2026 red carpet video, the photographers were positioned behind a planter with only green plants—no white flowers at all .
Fact-checking organizations confirmed the image was entirely fabricated using AI. The photo did not appear on any legitimate news sites or photography agency databases. Lipa’s own Instagram posts from Copenhagen further confirmed she was nowhere near New York on May 4 .
Dua Lipa’s Met Gala 2025 Look: Chanel and Finger Waves
For the 2025 Met Gala, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” Dua Lipa delivered one of her most memorable red carpet moments. She wore a custom beaded Chanel dress in black, honoring the museum’s exhibition exploring 300 years of Black fashion and the concept of black dandyism .
The glitzy custom open-back chiffon dress featured a long dramatic bow. She accessorized with Chanel jewelry and kept her beauty look equally polished. Her fiancé Callum Turner accompanied her, wearing a sharp black suit. The couple looked very enamored with each other as they posed for photos, marking their Met Gala debut as a pair .
The Finger Wave Hair Moment
Dua Lipa’s 2025 Met Gala beauty look was just as striking as her dress. She wore retro finger waves, a hairstyle that evokes the glamour of 1920s Hollywood. Using hair wax, her stylist created an ultra-sleek, polished texture. The standout detail was how the ends of the waves extended onto her forehead, creating authentic vintage arcs .
This cinematic hairstyle paired perfectly with her bronzy makeup, creating a look that balanced classic Hollywood glamour with modern edge. The finger wave style became one of the most talked-about beauty moments of the 2025 Met Gala .
Dua Lipa’s Met Gala 2024 Look: Feathers and Suede
At the 2024 Met Gala, Dua Lipa turned heads with a striking combination of textures. She wore a feather-hem skirt paired with a sleek suede jacket. This juxtaposition of materials highlighted the idea of fashion as a form of artistic expression .
The outfit demonstrated her ability to blend different elements into a cohesive, memorable look. The feather hem added movement and drama, while the suede jacket grounded the ensemble with earthy sophistication.
Dua Lipa’s Engagement to Callum Turner
In June 2025, Dua Lipa confirmed her engagement to actor Callum Turner in an interview with British Vogue. “Yeah, we’re engaged. It’s very exciting,” she said. She added of the engagement ring, “I’m obsessed with it. It’s so me. It’s nice to know the person that you’re going to spend the rest of your life with knows you very well” .
She shared that they were not wedding planning just yet. “I want to finish my tour, Callum’s shooting, so we’re just enjoying this period,” she explained. “I’ve never been someone who’s really thought about a wedding, or dreamt about what kind of bride I would be. All of a sudden I’m like: ‘Oh, what would I wear?'” .
Lipa expressed deep happiness about finding her partner. “This decision to grow old together, to see a life and just, I don’t know, be best friends forever—it’s a really special feeling,” she admitted . The couple made their Met Gala debut together in 2025, looking very much in love.
Dua Lipa’s Met Gala Legacy
When Dua Lipa attends the Met Gala, she consistently delivers. From her 2024 feathered look to her 2025 Chanel masterpiece, she has proven herself as a red carpet force. Her willingness to take fashion risks while honoring each year’s theme has made her a favorite among fashion critics.
Although she skipped the 2026 event, fans can look forward to her return in future years. The viral AI photo of her fake 2026 look demonstrated just how much the public expects to see her at fashion’s biggest night. Her absence was noted, and her eventual return will undoubtedly be highly anticipated.
The 2026 Met Gala Theme: Costume Art
The 2026 Met Gala theme was “Costume Art” with the dress code “Fashion Is Art.” The exhibition explored the relationship between fashion and fine art, examining how clothing can function as a form of artistic expression. The exhibit will be on view at the Metropolitan Museum of Art from May 10, 2026, through January 2027.
The theme invited guests to treat their bodies as living canvases. Sculptural silhouettes, conceptual designs, and outfits inspired by famous artworks dominated the red carpet. It was considered one of the most artistically ambitious themes in recent Met Gala history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why wasn’t Dua Lipa at the 2026 Met Gala? Dua Lipa skipped the 2026 Met Gala. She was in Copenhagen, Denmark, with her fiancé Callum Turner. They decided to take a break from the event this year .
Did Dua Lipa wear a Botticelli dress to the Met Gala? No. A viral photo showing Dua Lipa wearing a gown featuring Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus” was created by artificial intelligence. The image was entirely fake. Lipa was not at the 2026 Met Gala .
What did Dua Lipa wear to the 2025 Met Gala? She wore a custom beaded black Chanel dress with a long bow. The look honored the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme. She wore her hair in retro finger waves and attended with her fiancé Callum Turner .
Is Dua Lipa engaged to Callum Turner? Yes. Dua Lipa confirmed her engagement to actor Callum Turner in June 2025. She told British Vogue, “Yeah, we’re engaged. It’s very exciting” .
Who else skipped the 2026 Met Gala? Many celebrities skipped the 2026 event, including Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, Meryl Streep, Ryan Reynolds, Sydney Sweeney, Billie Eilish, Jennifer Lopez, Olivia Rodrigo, Ariana Grande, and Selena Gomez .
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